Setback for artificial reef plan

Surfers say riders will be drawn elsewhere

Plans for an artificial reef off the beaches of Newquay have been knocked back after the local authority declared it "not a priority".

Restormel Council had spent £35,000 assessing the possibility of placing underwater obstructions off Tolcarne Beach, to create a surfing wave.

But tourism chiefs now say the cost, which they say could top £5m, means the council cannot afford to back it.

Campaigners say that surfers will be drawn away from Newquay.

'Great idea'

Leader of the Newquay artificial reef team, Anthony Weight, said the fight for a reef would go on.

He said: "Private firms involved in coastal management are extremely keen on the plans because artificial reefs protect the coastline from erosion.

"We will continue to push for the reef to become a reality because Newquay needs it if it is to survive as a viable surfing destination."

Restormel tourism officer Paul Wright, said: "It's a great idea. But when it was first mooted four years ago the cost was about £1m.

"Today that cost has spiralled to between £4m and £6m. The question is where is that money going to come from?

"The council cannot afford it. We are not saying that it will never happen, but simply that with all the other costs the council has to meet, the artificial reef is not a priority."

Pilot gig racers, who hold their traditional events every year at Newquay, welcomed the move.

Phil Trebilcock, of Newquay Rowing Club, said: "We have nothing against surfers, but this would have affected our races, trawlers in the bay and yachts coming into the harbour."